Oklahoma City Child Support Lawyers

Oklahoma Child Support Laws

Child support is an important resource for parents to ensure that they can provide the essentials and more for their children. Because support payments should benefit a child, it’s important to ensure they are fair. Regardless of whether you expect to receive or pay child support, you need a dedicated attorney to help you fight for a fair calculation.

The OKC child support attorneys at Simmons & Associates has more than 75 years of combined experience advocating for clients. Of the many family law matters we can address for our clients, child support is one of most parents’ foremost concerns. Whether you are trying to determine an initial child support amount or modify an existing order, we can provide the legal assistance you require to ensure the calculation is fair.

Learn how our child support lawyers OKC can help by contacting us online or calling (405) 591-2284 now.

Who is Responsible for Paying Child Support in OK?

Both parents are financially responsible for their children. If one parent has custody of the child, the other is responsible for paying child support payments and this is not optional. Those who do not share custody, the non-custodial parent must fulfill their responsibility for financially providing for their child through child support. The child support payment percentage will be legally established.

Failing to Pay Child Support in Oklahoma

Once child support payments are ordered, the parent is legally required to pay it. If a parent fails to pay child support, this is considered a violation of a court order and may result in serious consequences including being held in contempt of court.

Oklahoma Child Support Calculation

When calculating child support, judges in Oklahoma take several factors into account. These factors include each parent’s monthly income, the number of children requiring financial support, and the current child custody agreement.

Additional factors that judges may consider may include the following:

• Expenses for a child’s healthcare, especially if they have special needs
• Daycare, school, or other education costs
• Costs for the non-custodial parent to travel for visitation
• Any spousal support agreement in place
• Either parent’s receipt of public benefits, such as SSI or SSD

Protecting your rights is essential to reaching a fair child support ruling. Our child support lawyers in OKC can provide the legal support you need to ensure any calculation fairly reflects a realistic depiction of your financial position. Reach out to Simmons & Associates today to learn more.

When Does Child Support End in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, child support ends when your child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever happens first. Exceptions for a child aging out of the need for child support may be relevant if that child has a disability and requires financial support in their adulthood.

Other events that can trigger the termination of child support obligations include the following:

• The child dies
• The child legally marries
• The child becomes emancipated
• The child enlists in the military
• The child is legally adopted by a new parent

What If I Can’t Pay My Child Support?

If you can’t pay your current child support obligation, you can file a petition to modify the amount. Keep in mind, though, that failure to pay child support is a misdemeanor crime, and bankruptcy can’t get rid of child support debt.

Usually, there must be a substantial reason for modifying child support. That can include a job loss or other loss of income that wasn’t the paying parent’s fault. Regardless, modifications – even under the most reasonable circumstances – aren’t guaranteed. That’s why you need an experienced child support lawyer in OKC to help you fight for a fair amount if your financial situation has significantly changed.

Understanding Child Support in Oklahoma City: Local Insights

Living in Oklahoma City, parents face unique challenges when it comes to child support. At Simmons & Associates, we understand the specific needs of OKC families and can help you navigate the complexities of child support laws.

Guiding Clients Through Child Support Concerns

One common pain point for parents in OKC is the availability of quality childcare and education. With numerous daycare centers, schools, and extracurricular activities in the area, the costs can add up quickly. Our attorneys take these local factors into account when advocating for a fair child support calculation that covers all necessary expenses for your child's well-being.

Another significant concern for OKC parents is the fluctuating cost of living. With the city's growing population and economic changes, it's crucial to ensure that child support payments are adjusted to reflect current financial realities. Whether you're dealing with job loss, increased childcare costs, or other financial challenges, our team is well-versed in local economic conditions and can help you seek a fair modification of your child support order. 

At Simmons & Associates, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of Oklahoma City's unique landscape. We know the local courts, the community resources, and the specific challenges that parents face. Our goal is to provide personalized legal support that addresses your individual needs and helps you pursue a fair and just child support arrangement.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your child support case in Oklahoma City. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process and make sure that your rights and your child's best interests are protected.

Get a Consultation with Our OKC Child Support Lawyers!

If you are facing any legal matter involving child support or family law, our capable OKC child support attorneys at Simmons & Associates can help. Our legal team has more than 75 years of combined experience that we can use to help you reach a fair calculation of child support, whether you expect to receive it or pay it.

For more information about our legal services and to schedule a consultation with our child support lawyers in OKC, contact Simmons & Associates by calling (405) 591-2284 today.